sterile

adjective
UK: /ˈster.ɪl/
US: /ˈster.əl/

  1. Not able to produce children or young animals; not fertile.

    1. The doctor confirmed that he was sterile after the tests showed no sperm.
    2. The couple sadly discovered they were both sterile and explored other family options.

  2. Completely clean and free from bacteria, viruses, or other living microorganisms; aseptic.

    1. The nurse used a sterile needle for the injection to prevent infection.
    2. It is important to keep the wound sterile by applying antiseptic cream and a bandage.

  3. Lacking in imagination, creativity, or new ideas; unproductive or barren.

    1. The artist felt his ideas were sterile and he couldn't create new works.
    2. Their discussion became sterile and failed to produce any new policies.

Synonyms

infertile unproductive aseptic antiseptic barren lifeless
sterile verb

  1. To make something free from bacteria or other living microorganisms; sterilize.

    1. The hospital staff must sterile all the equipment before surgery.
    2. We must sterile the baby's bottles to prevent them from getting sick.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "sterile" in English means: Not able to produce children or young animals; not fertile., Completely clean and free from bacteria, viruses, or other living microorganisms; aseptic., Lacking in imagination, creativity, or new ideas; unproductive or barren..

The phonetic transcription of "sterile" is /ˈster.ɪl/ in British English and /ˈster.əl/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "sterile": infertile, unproductive, aseptic, antiseptic, barren, lifeless.

Example usage of "sterile": "The doctor confirmed that he was sterile after the tests showed no sperm.". More examples on the page.